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WMC Kerkrade

Celebrate 75 Years of Wind Music!

In 2026, the World Music Contest (WMC) celebrates its 75th anniversary in Kerkrade. Since 1951, WMC has been the leading international festival for wind music, bringing together thousands of musicians and visitors from all continents for competitions, concerts, and cultural exchange. The 20th edition promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, connection, and tradition!

Registration for WMC 2026 is no longer possible.
The participants for the concert, march and show contests have been announced.

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Fringe Festival

Discover WMC Fringe 2026 in Kerkrade: free participation, international stages, and a unique marching route. Experience WMC without a contest – sign up via My WMC!

Marching and Show Contests

Marching Contests | Show Contests | Marching Parade Contests

Concert Contests

Brass Bands | Percussion Ensembles | Fanfare Bands | Wind Bands

News

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WMC 2026: A growing spectacle and world stage for wind music

November 5, 2025 – The World Music Contest (WMC) in Kerkrade proudly announces the participant list for its 20th edition in 2026. With a record 153 entries for the concert contests – a 40% increase co…

WMC is more than the Champions League of wind music

August 25, 2025 - Are you part of a brassband, fanfare, windband or percussion ensemble and looking for a unique musical experience? The World Music Contest (WMC) Kerkrade offers more than just exciti…

WMC Kerkrade appeals to the region via Rabo ClubSupporrt

August 24, 2025 - To make this anniversary edition an even greater success, WMC Kerkrade is participating in Rabo ClubSupport this year. Members of Rabobank Zuid-Limburg Oost can cast their votes and …

American Blue Devils to open anniversary edition of WMC 2026

July 29, 2025 - For its 75th anniversary edition, the World Music Contest (WMC) welcomes one of the world's most iconic show bands: the American Blue Devils. The renowned band will kick off the event …

International Honorary Invitations WMC March and Show awarded

July 21, 2025 - At prestigious international competitions, the first WMC Honorary Invitations for the March and Show competitions for WMC 2026 have been awarded. Honorary Invitations are awarded based…

WMC 2026 seeks sleeping places for musicians

July 9, 2025 - In the summer of 2026, the WMC Foundation will celebrate its 75th anniversary during the 20th World Music Contest. The organization is asking residents, companies and associations to pr…

WMC opens registration for anniversary edition 2026

March 28, 2025 - Next July, the 20th edition of the World Music Contest (WMC) will take place. Starting April 1, bands and ensembles from around the world can sign up for the upcoming WMC. The organiz…

WMC Academy presents the first-ever World Youth Wind Band

March 6, 2025 - Join the first international World Youth Wind Band project week! This event takes place from August 17 to 24, 2025, at Rolduc, Kerkrade. Open to talented young musicians aged 18 to 25 …

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